There is a lot of focus on the couple getting married when it comes to a destination wedding, it takes a lot of extra planning and travel expenses for all.
But what about the guests? They are being asked to take a trip around the world, take time off work and attend a wedding. If you have been invited to a destination wedding these are surely thoughts going through your head.
It sounds expensive, and you have to use your PTO for a vacation you didn't get to choose? Something feels off.
Consider this your guide to everything you need to know if you are considering or attending a destination wedding. The key is to plan in advance and make sure you get a vacation out of it too.
10 Save Up
Weddings, in general, are expensive, no matter the destination you have to pay for travel, accommodation, fancy clothes, gifts and a couple of added costs that you can't even anticipate ahead of time.
A destination wedding takes those costs and amplifies them. The moral of the story is to save up for attending a destination wedding like you would a vacation. You never know what costs you could be hit with as you travel abroad, so don't let it break your bank unexpectedly.
9 Get Sufficient Time Off
For a domestic wedding, you might take a day off if you have to travel out of state, but a destination wedding will take more than three days. The wedding is probably more than just one event, plus travel days, plus you deserve some time to sight-see and really feel like you are on vacation.
Make sure if you are committing to attending a destination wedding, you are letting yourself have a vacation too.
8 Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is essential for any trip, and especially a destination wedding that is costing you a pretty penny. As soon as you know the dates of the wedding, and that you would like to attend, apply for the time off of work so you can book your flights and accommodation asap.
Usually the further ahead time that you looking for flights, the better, and it gives you more time to scope out the deals.
7 Share Your Accommodation
If you can, share your accommodation with a friend, it helps cut down the costs of a hotel. Having a plus one is great for this, but if not then ask a friend who is attending if they want to go in on the hotel room with you.
If you aren't shy, ask the bride and groom if they know another single girl attending who might be interested, and maybe you will make a friend too.
6 What About A Gift?
Going to a destination wedding is expensive, and it brings up the idea that it is not necessary to bring a gift. Unfortunately, it kind of depends on what the bride and groom decide on in terms of a registry.
Follow the vibe, if gifts seem to be a must then opt for something sentimental like a handmade photo collage or even DIY beauty products.
5 Bring Carry On Luggage
When you fly internationally, it is hard to not check a bag for a longer trip, but if you can manage to carry on instead, it saves a lot of stress and even money.
Nothing could be worse than your bag getting lost, and you not having a dress for the wedding let alone your skincare products and underwear for the trip. You can definitely go shopping, but it is an added stress you didn't anticipate.
4 Get A Dress That Is Wrinkle-Proof
Anything that is in a suitcase for 12 hours will get a little wrinkled, but if you can help it, look for a dress that does not wrinkle easily nor that needs to be ironed. Most hotels have an iron for this very reason, but you never know.
If you don't want to show up to the wedding looking wrinkled, bring a dress that can withstand the long trip.
3 Do Sight See
While the people getting married will want to spend time with their guests during this vacation wedding, don't feel bad about ditching a less important event in order to do something you really want to.
You are on vacation too, if that means you want to see the sights instead of going to the brunch go for it. You also have the right to sit by the pool and enjoy time off of work.
2 Do Your Research
Do your research when it comes to travel, find accommodation that is close to the other guests and know how to get around even if it is just in a taxi. The more you know ahead of time, the easier your travels will go.
1 Be Realistic About Going
Hopefully, you have all the right funds and time to attend your loved ones' destination wedding, but if you are doing the math and it just isn't coming out right, don't feel bad about not attending.
That is something that the couple is prepared for, and you can still find an alternative way to celebrate their big day with them.
